Community leaders and philanthropists today announced plans for a $40 million health and wellness campus to be developed in downtown Wausau. The overarching plan involves broad support from local foundations, businesses and individuals, and includes three complementary – and physically connected – components:

• Extensive modernization and expansion of the Woodson YMCA.
• Development of a new Aspirus physician clinic.
• Construction of an activity center for adults 55 and older.

Chad Kane, president of the Woodson YMCA Foundation, described a vision in which Wausau residents of all ages could access beneficial programs and services when they are healthy, ill, or recovering.

“This is an innovative model for community wellness,” Kane said. “It expands and modernizes the YMCA’s popular facilities and services; adds a new center where older, active adults can engage in a range of physical, educational, social and recreational activities; and develops a new Aspirus physician clinic that connects health experts through programming and proximity.”

Project organizers have purchased downtown properties to the north and west of the YMCA, and demolition and site clearing is underway. Final details of the health and wellness campus have not been cemented, as organizers seek approval to re-route short sections of street, and the YMCA Foundation launches the public phase of its capital campaign.

YMCA Modernization and Expansion

The YMCA modernization project will enhance child care services, expand the gymnastics area, create a new wellness center that offers both cardio and strengthening activities, increase parking and improve traffic flow within the existing facility. The total cost of the YMCA initiative is $19 million, and while the Senior Center and Aspirus Clinic components of the health and wellness campus are already fully funded, the YMCA still seeks about $3 million in donations to meet its total goal.

New Aspirus Clinic

Aspirus is a strong supporter of the YMCA modernization and expansion project, and is fully funding a new field house with gymnasium, running track and viewing area.

 “For years, we have collaborated closely with the YMCA because we believe in the excellent wellness and lifestyle services they provide to the community,” said Matthew Heywood, president and CEO of Aspirus. “As we discussed the expansion and modernization of the Woodson YMCA, it became clear that this community could do something truly innovative to benefit the health and wellness of everyone in the Wausau area.”

One of Aspirus’ corporate values is Collaboration: As a team we improve our patients’ lives; through partnerships we improve the health of our communities. The new health and wellness is a tremendous example of how Aspirus is living its values. 

“Health care systems have historically been in the business of caring for the sick,” Heywood said. “But Aspirus’ vision for the future is to engage people in all stages of life. The future is about wellness, vitality and prevention or early detection. The most effective way to treat health issues is to prevent them altogether.”

The Aspirus Board approved the construction of a new clinic, which will be located next to the Woodson YMCA and connected by a skywalk. The clinic will provide primary and walk-in care, as well as imaging and laboratory services. While the design has not yet been finalized, Heywood said the facility will be about 36,000 square feet and cost about $20 million to build.

The Senior Center

One of the key new features of the downtown health and wellness campus will be a 15,000-square-foot activity center for adults 55 and older, directly connected to the Woodson YMCA. The center is being fully funded by a grant from the Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation.

“The Davis Foundation is pleased to support this new vision for creating a wellness campus that serves all Wausau’s generations,” said Dwight Davis, president of the foundation, in a statement.

A Resource to Benefit All

Downtown Wausau has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, and the construction of a health and wellness campus will drive additional improvements that all residents can enjoy. Wausau Mayor Robert Mielke is an enthusiastic supporter of the project.

“We believe this project will create one of the nation’s best comprehensive wellness resources that will serve Wausau for generations to come,” Mielke said. “From infants to older adults, the entire community will have access to integrated resources to stay active and healthy, and local businesses will have a tremendous new tool for retaining and recruiting employees.”